Cervical Cancer Vaccine Benefit Lasts

April 17, 2007 (Los Angeles) -- Two vaccines for preventing cervical cancer, one that is already
available and another that is undergoing FDA review, continue to offer nearly
100% protection five years following administration, new research shows.

The findings come at a time when use of the vaccines is being hotly debated,
with states grappling with the issue of access to a vaccine for a sexually
transmitted disease.

Darron R. Brown, MD, professor of medicine, microbiology, and immunology at
the Indiana University School of Medicine in Indianapolis, says the durability
of the protection is an important issue.

"Right now, the data suggest strong sustainability with either vaccine. We
don't know if a booster will be needed, but from what we're seeing, I think the
vaccines will provide protection for a lifetime," he tells WebMD.

The vaccines were discussed at the annual meeting of the American
Association for Cancer Research.

Cervical Cancer Vaccines Target HPV

Both vaccines protect against cervical cancer by preventing infection with
two strains of human papillomavirus (HPV) -- 16 and 18 -- that are
responsible for up to 70% of all cervical cancers.

Gardasil, the approved vaccine, also targets HPV 6 and
11, which account for 90% of genital warts -- providing the woman has not been
previously exposed.

HPV is a sexually transmitted virus, with dozens of strains.

The University of Louisville's Stanley Gall, MD, who tested Cervarix, the
vaccine under review, predicts it will be approved soon. Then it will be up to
each person to decide which one fits her needs, he says.

"They're both wonderful products and the family and their doctor will have
to decide which is best," he tells WebMD.

Gall says that younger people are more likely to develop genital warts, so
they might decide to opt for the additional protection offered by Gardasil.

Cervical Cancer Vaccine Debate Heats Up

The big, looming issue will not be which vaccine to get, but whether to get
it at all, he says. "If we don't get it into people, they won't benefit," he
says.

The FDA approved Gardasil for girls and women aged 9-26. The CDC recommends
the vaccine to girls 11-12 years old, but it can be given to girls as young as
9. The CDC also recommends it for 13- to 26-year-old females who haven't
already received or completed the vaccine series.